I’ve read this book so many times over the past couple of months, trying in vain to change my opinion about it. I’m sorry; I just don’t get it. Part of it may be that I come from a small family and everyone fit around one table when we had meals with extended family. We also don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Australia but I don’t think that has any relevance to the way I feel about this book.

This story recounts the tale of an eight year old girl who is relegated to sitting at the kiddie table during her family’s Thanksgiving meal. She’s surrounded by babies and toddlers. For some reason she’s given a bowl of food and a spoon to eat with, and she’s supposed to be drinking out of a sippy cup. I’m not sure what bright spark thought that was a good idea but possibly her parents as the meal is at their home. Throughout the meal our already cranky eight year old becomes increasingly angry until she explodes at the indignity she’s had to suffer.

During her tirade she makes the argument that she knows how to behave and winds up her tantrum with a defiant, “I DESERVE A SPOT AT THE ADULT TABLE!” Now this may well be an indication of why I should never be a parent but if this little brat was my kid I would quite cheerfully explain to her that her dummy spit had proven exactly why she’s not ready to sit at the adult table yet. Like it or not she’d be apologising to the other guests, including all of the kids she freaked out and we’d be having a long chat about her behaviour and acceptable ways to ask for what you want once the guests left.

This kid’s mother is not me. This kid’s mother empathises with her daughter about how she was feeling (that would have been part of my after dinner chat) but then she lets the tantrum kid sit at the adult table! This kid gets rewarded for her bad behaviour! I’m not okay with that.

I liked the illustrations. They’re colourful and make our tantrum thrower’s discontent very clear from the get go. The rhymes didn’t work for me as the meter was off, so the rhythm would feel awkward if read out loud.

I’ve put off writing this review because I hate it when books and I don’t connect. Just because I didn’t like it doesn’t mean you won’t though so please don’t just take my word for it. I’d encourage you to check it out for yourself or at least read some 4 or 5 star reviews before deciding if it’s the book for you or not.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Capstone for the opportunity to read this book. I really wanted to love it.

The Kiddie Table perfectly describes the in between years that are so challenging for children that are too old for the kiddie table and too young for the adult table. They are stuck in the middle, not enjoying a single second. This particular girl has had enough and explodes in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner. Tired of mashed potatoes on her lap and broccoli in her hair, her mother talks to her and she finds there is always a solution when you just ask for help.
This story will relate to so many of us young and old, but I am not sure it quite reaches the typical picture book age range.

I loved the illustrations in “The Kiddie Table.” It will be great for story times, too. There aren’t many Thanksgiving read alouds out there in the first place, and the ones that are good usually end with saving turkeys and everyone eating pizza instead. This one was different and it had a good lesson.

In this rhyming picture book, an eight-year-old girl is made to sit at the kiddie table for Thanksgiving dinner, much to her horror. She decides to take a stand.

I could relate well to the main theme of the story - the awkward period between childhood and adulthood, when a child wants to be considered grown up, but is still seen as a child. I'm not sure that children who are old enough to relate to the story would read it, as they are likely to have moved on from simple picture books, but it may be just as entertaining for younger kids.

*spoiler alert*
Most of the story was told well, but I didn't quite get why the conclusion advised the reader (bearing in mind the rest of the story was moreover not directed at the reader) what they should wear next Thanksgiving. Nor do I understand why the girl is suddenly happy to sit at the kiddie table at the end.

I loved the brightly coloured pictures and the expressions on the characters' faces, but I feel the story should have ended when the guests leave. It also would have been better told in prose, as the rhythm didn't flow well and some of the rhymes felt forced.

Review to be posted on all sites in July.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

So we don't have Thanksgiving where I live, but I still couldn't resist this book. That cover just looked hilarious and I wanted to know the story behind that chaos.

Our MC is put at the kiddie table during Thanksgiving, and she is not having any of it! She is already old enough to do all sorts of things, and she doesn't need a sippy cup! To make matters worse the other kids (way tinier) are making a mess. The girl can't take it and explodes!

I just had such a laugh when she suddenly stood up and starting holding that speech. Not only because of how silly it looked, and how she was doing the same as the tinier kids (shout/scream/etc.), but also because the speech (and all the book) was in rhyme. Sorry, I just cannot take that serious. :P

Thankfully her speech is heard by the adults. I did like how the parents handled it. Not only by allowing that, but also telling her that shouting is not good and asking is preferable.

I didn't understand why the parents gave her a sippy cup/kid-proof cutlery in the first part. I get that she was sat at the table with kids, but come on. It just felt like they were making fun of her. :|

The ending was pretty cute, and I am happy for her. Though I do hope that next time the parents make room for her.

The art was so-so. Mostly because there were quite a few unfinished illustrations. I get that this is a proof/ARC, but still it was a shame. Especially since I could see how pretty they would be in the finished illustrations. :(

All in all though I did like this rhyming book about Thanksgiving!

#TheKiddieTable #NetGalley

Thanks to NetGalley for a free arc e book in exhange for an honest review.




#TheKiddieTable #NetGalley

I received an advanced reader copy of an ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Oh the Kiddie table, most of us have suffered the indignity of being older but seated with the babies.

The girl (we never learn her name) is dressed up nicely for Thanksgiving. She is 8 and does not feel that young.

She suffers through sippy cups, kiddie bowls, and gets more upset until.............one of the toddlers dumps food on her.

Well this is her breaking point, in Rhyme no less, she just explodes!!

The grown ups are puzzled at first but mom saves the day by taking the girl aside and talking calmly to her.

SPOILER

The only thing I did not like about the story is that the girl throws a tantrum and gets what she wants. If I was this girl that would not have happened at all.

The illustrations are not complete, but they are fabulous!!

I like how the story rhymed, the illustrations, and the feelings of the girl were portrayed and the mother's quick thinking calmed her down.

Overall this was a nice book except for my one disagreement with the reward of bad behavior.

I think children would enjoy the message of the story and the illustrations, I would like to see the final book with the final illustrations.



3 1/2 ******

This book reminds me of dinners spent with the younger kids at the kid table, and when I was old enough to sit at the ADULT table. Both tables have their pros and cons. Lol

Entertaining and sure to connect with others who have gone through, or are going through the same thing.

Disclaimer: I was provided this book to give my honest opinion.

This is a charming story of an 8-year-old girl who feels too grown-up to be seated at the kiddie table. The illustrations made me grin -- the sister's glum expressions are hilarious because we can all relate to that in-between feeling when stuck in the middle of childhood and adulthood, and her frustrations are obvious and in stark contrast to the other children having a blast together.

The book is told in engaging rhyme: "So there she sat, like a little kid. With a bowl and a spoon and a cup with a lid."

No one is surprised to learn she explodes, and even with her sudden escalation, her mother swoops in to comfort (and correct) her, and gently invites her to join the adult table. This is a sweet story, and for children who may be experiencing similar growing pains, it could be an amusing, no-pressure way to have conversations about those transitions.

This was a cute story, but the message seemed a little vague. I liked the fact that it rhymed, but there were times when the rhyme scheme just seemed a little off. Also, it seemed strange to me that we never found out the main character’s name, yet we experienced her emotional turmoil. Overall, the book was enjoyable, but I’m not quite sure who it would be best suited for in my library.

The Kiddie Table is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Colleen Madden.

Within thirty-two pages, this fiction book focuses on the Thanksgiving holiday and the infamous kiddie table. Also, it features entertaining illustrations.

The Kiddie Table is geared toward younger children, particularly first to third graders.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Kiddie Table is a book that rings familiar and true to all of us! When young we are all anxious to be grown-up (if we only knew!) and sitting at the Adult Table is a milestone! Colleen Madden has penned the perfect book for kids who are struggling with this issue! Too old for the Kiddie Table but not quite ready to sit with the Adults! What's a child to do? Read this book to quell those worries!

I think the illustrations were the best part of the book--there were bright and colorful and my kids really got a kick out of the disgruntled 8-year-old's expressions. I didn't love how the girl expressed her displeasure with having to sit at the kids' table and then got what she wanted, but I did like how the mom talked through the situation with her. I also didn't really love the rhymes--the meter seemed off to me on some of them.

I read a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This story follows a young girl who is angry that she has to sit at the “kiddie table” for Thanksgiving. I liked that the book was written in rhyme. The visuals were wonderful and I liked that the font reflected the emotion in the book. I am still not sure how I feel about the overall message in the book. The girl did not like sitting at the “kiddie table” so she threw a tantrum and then got to sit at the adult table. I feel like if a person was to throw a tantrum like that they should not be allowed to sit at the adult table… At the end the mom explains that she should have told her so that was good. I neither loved nor hated this book so I’m going with a 3-star rating for it. It was a funny book despite the child’s behaviour in it.

There were things I liked and things I did not like about this book. I enjoyed the rhyming text and the large vibrant illustrations. I loved seeing what the mischievous kids were getting into as well. I did not like the way the young girl demonstrated her displeasure. We all remember the kids table and being one of the youngest in my family, I sat at it much longer than I thought I should, but I had to grin and bear it. I did like that the mother explained the proper way to express the desire to sit with the adults, but she gave in right away. The young girl did behave properly and helped the adults after the meal, but that still did not excuse the behaviour. I would not want to send the message that this behaviour would be rewarded. If this book was read, then discussed about proper behaviour and manners, then it would be okay. The end talks about being thankful, but that was the only spot in the book.

Having had to sit at the kiddie table before, this book spoke to my heart. It was fun and sassy. It will resonate with kids who feel grown up (but not too grown up). The pictures are fun and the rhyming text flows well. It seems like it would be great for story time. I could hear her voice in my head as I read.

#netgalley

This is a book that almost every family can relate to. It's Thanksgiving and two tables are set ready to welcome the adults and the kids. When you are 8-years-old which table should you be seated at? Mmmmmm?

The 8-year-old girl in the story has the misfortune of being placed at the kiddie table. She is stunned and very infuriated at that decision of placement. After all she is legally potty trained, can easily manoeuver two-digit multiplication for crying-out-loud, makes her own waffles, safely uses the microwave and knows all her table manners and etiquette... so why in the world would she get dumped in with the pacifier crowd? After tolerating potatoes being plopped on her thigh, and much burping and drooling she loses her cool. She jumps up from her chair and shouts:

"THIS IS THE WORST THANKSGIVING I'VE EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!"

"I DESERVE A SPOT AT THE ADULT TABLE!"

The adult guests are shocked at such rude behaviour and the girl's mother immediately steps in and does an intervention. Her mom knows exactly how to calm her little girl and keep the lovely family dinner going. Will the girl be allowed to join the adults at their table and share the Thanksgiving meal with them? Or... will she be ordered to her room for disrupting a special family gathering after displaying a temper tantrum meltdown like many of the babies might display who are seated at the kiddie table?

The illustrations are truly amazing. They are full of detail, expression and lots of emotion. The story is written in rhyme and the author does a brilliant job of highlighting the pain of growing up and finally being accepted to transition into the adult world. It's never an easy passage for sure but this delightful picture book tackles the issue head on with humour and best of all, resolve. I highly, highly recommend this book.

THE KIDDIE TABLE is so relatable and well done. I love the graphics and the meter of the writing. The section where the girl talks with her mom is great and I liked that it was in the middle of the book and not the end. This section alone is why I gave it high marks though the rest of the book is good as well. I think it reads well out loud and handles the precious age of 8 where little girls are caught between wanting to be big girls and little girls at the same time. The graphics are bright with great little details like the art on the walls that all parents seem to have around that time of year and the expressions on the children. A great holiday read and reminder for all.

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Many might relate to this story of a little girl stuck with the little ones at the kid table. We feel her frustration and wish the best for her. It is a cute story idea and great for Thanksgiving, but any family dinner prep for the kids.

I like the message of this book, but the artwork does not seem to match all the way through. From the beginning the girl seems to be in a bad mood, and not just about sitting at the kiddie table. The illustrator draws her made, but the book and the sing-song rhyme says upset. Yes, she does throw a fit, but we never see the character work up to a fit. We read the work up, but see bad attitude all the way.

For those who are not American, Thanksgiving is the celebration that happens on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a bit like Chinese New Year, or Mothering Sunday, in that everyone is supposed to go home for it. Everyone is supposed to eat together, but often the children are regulated to a separate table, away from the adults, known as the "children's table" or, as the name of this book says "Kiddie table".

Kiddie tables are for the kids that have no manners yet. That are not eating real food, with real forks and knives. They are usually more boisterous. It is a badge of honor when one gets to move from the kiddie table to the grown up table, which is why, in this book, the little girl is so upset that it is assumed that she is going to still sit at the kiddie table, despite now being eight years old.

I'm not as enamored with this story, as I might be, however, probably because the girl shows how immature she is by yelling about how she is so much better than the little kids at the table and how unfair things are, and rather than her mother saying, well, dear, you are there to watch over the little ones, like a big girl, she invites her to the big people table.

In other words, she gets rewarded for throwing a hissy fit.

But the pictures are cute, as you can see below.
<img class="alignnone wp-image-314 size-full" src="http://www.reyes-sinclair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Screen-Shot-2018-03-20-at-10.24.34-PM.png" alt="big people table" />

THanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.